Bryant Library Online

Harry Potter, James and the Giant Peach, Captain Underpants, How to Each Fried Worms, Bridge to Terabithia, The Giver, Goosebumps series, The Wiches, A Ligtht in the Attic.

Do any of these bring fond memories of reading? What do these books have in common? All these books, and thousands more, have been challenged to be removed from library shelves. According to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), more than a book a day faces removal from free and open public access in U.S. schools and libraries. During Banned Books Week, September 29 - October 6, 2007, thousands of libraries and bookstores throughout the nation will celebrate a democratic society’s most basic freedom — the freedom to read.

What this week should offer is remembering that selecting a book is about choice. The choice should be available. This is also a time for families to share their values and communicate their preferences with their students. Knowing to make a choice is what the conversation should be around, not the removal of the choices. “Not every book is right for every reader,” said American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy. “Libraries serve users from a variety of backgrounds - that’s why libraries need - and have - such a wide range of materials. Individuals must have the right to choose what materials are suitable for themselves and their families.”

As Judy Blume, one of the most challenged authors, shares:

“[I]t’s not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” — Judy Blume

As a parent, I don’t always recommend my child read the books that are made available on the shelves. This is something we talk about. Talking about books is a great way to open communication and share values. As a school librarian, I believe that I should provide on our shelves the books that support reading and the school-based curriculum.

For more information about Banned Books Week, check the American Library Associations web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/backgroundb/background.htm.

What better way to “fall” into reading, but to meet the author of a favorite or soon to be favorite book?
We are so fortunate to live in a city that supports reading with many bookstores. Mark your calendar for one of these author events sponsored by local book stores.

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